8 research outputs found
Improving the Supply Distribution and Use of Antimalarial Drugs by the Private Sector in Tanzania. Report prepared for the National Malaria Control Programme, United Republic of Tanzania
Private pharmacies or shops are the source of 60% of the drugs bought to treat suspected
cases of malaria. At the same time 59% of children fail to be treated within 24 hours of
onset. The private sector is the primary source for antimalarials, but parents and carers are
failing to administer those drugs sufficiently early to minimise morbidity and mortality.
This review focused on the way in which antimalarial drugs reach the patient. It also
examined ways in which the delivery system could be improved and how the private facilities
can become more effective sources of both drugs and advice. It has found that there are
many problems with the way that drugs are distributed. Many unregistered drugs are readily
available, and poor storage conditions are likely to reduce the efficacy of drugs even if they
were of good quality at the time of manufacture. For many people the cost of even the
cheapest antimalarial is an issue and purchase of part doses is common. The knowledge of
the staff in pharmacies is poor and in shops woefully inadequate. Nonetheless most people
use shops and private pharmacies as their source for drugs.
There are two overarching requirements:
• First of all the needs and capabilities of the private sector must always be taken into
account before any decision is made about how to make antimalarials more available.
• Secondly, educating the staff and public will only be achieved through a subtle
communications package regularly repeated and brought up to date. For example we
found that many workers in Part II pharmacies remain in post for no more than one
year. Unlike their counterparts in the public sector, staff in the private sector do not
find incentives in attending training courses. Staff in the public sector spend so much
time on courses that their time to actually implement what they have learned is
limited. To reach the private sector staff will require subtler and more cost effective
methods.
The report is full of detailed recommendations for the improvement of the supply systems
and for educating both staff and public
Analysis of dose regimens efficacy of Dihydroartemisine-piperaquine in adults and children suffering from acute malaria in Cameroon
L’indication d’injonction de soins repose-t-elle sur un diagnostic médical ?
National audienc